"IF" loud pipes really are a safety upgrade (which they are NOT), then the loud-pipers should apply sound phyics (ha, pun there) and face the exhaust outlets FORWARD on the bike.

Then I think they could be legit in arguing that loud pipes are a safety benefit. The noise would then be projected forward. Since sound travels at about 700 mph think of the awareness gained that way! Plus, the rider could revel in their own obnoxious noise even more!

Of course, bugs, road grit, leaves, water, all sorts of crap getting air-rammed into the exhaust would be detrimental to their cause. Not to mention the fact that it would look dumb-ass stupid on any bike.

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Ok, I'll go slow. If hi-vis clothing increases safety, then I think hi-hear exhausts should also increase safety. The louder the better I suppose. Asking a motorcyclist to point his pipes forward is akin to asking a motorcyclist to wear a flashing yellow light on his helmet. Ridiculous.

Ok, I'll go slow. If hi-vis clothing increases safety, then I think hi-hear exhausts should also increase safety. The louder the better I suppose. Asking a motorcyclist to point his pipes forward is akin to asking a motorcyclist to wear a flashing yellow light on his helmet. Ridiculous.

And high frequency sound is unidirectional? What kind of logic is that?

I think the property of low-frequency sound being referred to, is the tendancy of ULF soundwaves to transmit through solid objects rather than be reflected by them. However, that tendancy relates to ULF, outside the range of human hearing. Of course, it will definitely keep one safe from elephants and cats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatpasta

the orientation of the exhaust for most of the people that are going to argue the loud pipes save lives thing (Harley riders) isn't going to matter very much as low frequencies travel omnidirectionaly

Can you really say with a solid level of confidence that "loud pipes..." proponents are going to pull out that argument, even if the question of pipe orientation was heavily debated?

Wow, this is starting to get into a "Sheldon" level of discussion on sound properties and propagation.

I just thought I could be "fasee",.....um,..."facieschious", nuts...an ASS about the loud pipes thing and stir up some conversation, heh, heh.

To go along with your line of thinking why don't they make something akin to "redneck stacks" like you see on jacked up diesel trucks here in the midwest? Aim them up and to the side so they blast right AT passing cagers hopefully open windows.

Then they need to make a turbo diesel cruiser and turn that sumbitch up till it smokes. That'd really get people's attention.

What was said above. Everyone can freely admit to hearing a Harley way before you see it so the pipe going backwards or forwards does not matter. You can also hear a loud sport bike so again direction of exit is irrelevant. Whether they save lives or not is anecdotal and personal. I have had several occasions on a few different bikes where I was glad I had a louder exhaust, not ridiculous, just louder. I can say I get tailgated significantly more with the quiet stock exhaust then I ever did with any aftermarket exhaust. Whether it was a cruiser or sport bike.